The money, according to Mayor Anita Dugatto, will enable the city to complete an application to the state’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit program. If the city gets approved for that credit, the costs to continue building renovations would be lowered. Dugatto said she wasn’t sure how much those costs would be lowered, but according to the state program, tax credits between 25 and 30 percent can be issued to eligible rehabilitation projects.

The city could learn in about three months where its application stands with the state.

State Rep. Linda Gentile, D-Ansonia, and state Sen. Joe Crisco, D-Woodbridge, were on hand at Dugatto’s office last week when they received the grant. (Left, interior file photo by Peter Casolino/New Haven Register)

“Connecticut is loaded with all sorts of historic treasures, and we’re very happy and very pleased and very proud to have one right here in our little city of Derby,” Gentile said. “This money will go a long way to help restore that beauty.”